The Power of Nature in Times of Uncertainty
In the heart of the Panamanian highlands lies Boquete, a place known for its lush cloud forests and overwhelming biodiversity. For many, it is a dream destination, but in 2014, this green paradise served as the backdrop for a poignant human tragedy. During that period, I was closely involved in the events in this region—an experience that has left a profound mark on me. While the intensity of the daily work often weighed heavily on my shoulders, nature offered an unexpected source of solace and reflection. A specific photo of a tiny wasp on a bright orange flower has, for me, become the symbol of that turbulent time.
A Mission in the Tropics
Between May 2014 and February 2015, I stayed in Panama almost continuously. My presence there had a solemn and urgent purpose: coordinating the search for Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon. These two young Dutch women went missing during a hike in the rugged surroundings of Boquete, an event that held the world in its grip for months. It was a period of immense emotional strain and physical exertion, during which the uncertainty regarding their fate was constantly present.
During this long sojourn, I found a temporary home with the Edwards family. This American family owned a large villa in Alto Romero and hospitably opened their doors to those assisting in the search operations. Their support was indispensable; it provided not only a physical place to rest but also a sense of community in what was otherwise an inhospitable and confusing situation. The villa was a beacon of tranquility amidst the hectic atmosphere that an international search entails.
Pyrostegia Venusta
Escape in Color and Life
The tropical environment of Panama is nothing short of impressive. It is a world where life in all its forms seems to explode. Everywhere you look, you see weeder weedy lush vegetation and hear the sounds of fascinating fauna. In the sparse free hours I had, I tried to capture this overwhelming nature with my camera. I did this not only out of admiration for the beauty of the landscape but, above all, as a form of mental therapy.
Photography helped me clear my mind for a moment and let go of the heavy focus on the search. It was a way to recharge my batteries and take the necessary distance from the sorrowful reality. By concentrating on the smallest details of the flora and fauna, I found a moment of silence within the storm.
Encountering the Pyrostegia Venusta
One of the plants that made the greatest impression on me during my wanderings was the Pyrostegia venusta. This plant stands out immediately due to the unique trumpet shape of its flowers and the intense orange color that contrasts beautifully with the deep green foliage. Although the plant is originally from South Africa, it thrives in the Panamanian climate and is beloved for its rapid growth and spectacular blooms.
One day, I saw a small wasp that had settled on one of these flowers. It was a quiet moment of pure natural interaction. I decided to capture this scene, and that photo has been a precious memory ever since. The wasp, small and fragile on the powerful orange flower, expressed for me the vulnerability of life in the midst of an untamed wilderness.
A Bridge to the Present
After my return to Murcia, Spain, chance brought a special surprise. In the garden of a house near my own, I discovered the exact same plant. Someone had planted the Pyrostegia venusta there as a colorful hedge. Now, years later, I still walk past that garden regularly. Every time the orange flowers are in bloom, I am immediately transported back to those intensive months in Panama.
The sight of the flowers evokes a mixture of emotions. It reminds me of the Edwards family, the vast forests of Alto Romero, and the complex search for Kris and Lisanne. Although the reason for my stay in Boquete was tragic, the flowers also remind me of human resilience and the healing power of nature. In this way, a small piece of Panama remains forever interwoven with my daily life in Murcia.
